Composition is a term that describes the artist’s organization of the elements of art in either two- or three-dimensional works. When speaking of a painting, the composition refers to the arrangement of these elements on the picture plane. In the case of architecture, composition is a word used to describe the organization of these elements in space.
Rhythm is the principle that we associate with movement or pattern. Artists create a sense of rhythm in their composition by repeating elements such as line, shape, color, and texture. Rhythm can cause the viewer’s eye to move rhythmically across and around the work of art. Some rhythms flow smoothly, while others are more jarring.
In order to understand repetition, one needs to comprehend motif and pattern. A motif is a single instance of a repetitious pattern. For example, in a quilt design, one or more motifs are repeated to create an overall pattern. A pattern involves the repetition of motifs or of basic elements such as color or line, within a work of art. Shapes or motifs may be repeated in a number of ways to create regular patterns. One example of a regular pattern is the collection of squares found on a checkerboard.
In order to understand repetition, one needs to comprehend motif and pattern. A motif is a single instance of a repetitious pattern. For example, in a quilt design, one or more motifs are repeated to create an overall pattern. A pattern involves the repetition of motifs or of basic elements such as color or line, within a work of art. Shapes or motifs may be repeated in a number of ways to create regular patterns. One example of a regular pattern is the collection of squares found on a checkerboard.
Balance refers to the equal distribution of visual weight in a work of art. There are a number of techniques that artists use to create balance. The easiest of these to understand is symmetrical balance—a balance achieved when elements are repeated exactly on both sides of the center. If you fold a paper in half vertically and one side of the centerfold is a mirror image of the other side of the centerfold, then you have an example of symmetrical balance. Many formal styles of architecture make use of symmetry with columns, wings, and windows arrayed equally on either side of the central entrance. Artworks in which the central axis is horizontal and equal visual weight is placed above and below that axis also exhibit symmetrical balance. To avoid the rigidity and monotony that may accompany a symmetrical composition, many artists employ approximate symmetry. In this kind of balance, shapes or objects are slightly varied on either side of the central axis. The artist may also include variations in the color, detail, or position of the shapes to achieve this effect.
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Asymmetrical balance happens when an artist organizes unlike objects in a way that creates balance without two identical halves. Even though asymmetrical balance may seem more informal than symmetrical balance, it is actually a more complicated composition. There are several ways that asymmetrical balance can be achieved. The first is by the position of objects. Think of two people of unequal weight on a seesaw. To maintain a balance, the lighter person must sit far out on the end of the seesaw while the heavier person must sit close to the center. Similarly, an artist may create balance by placing the heavier, more solid object close to the center of the artwork while placing smaller objects farther away from the center.
Contrast of color, value, shape, size, line, or texture creates interest to the eye. An element that contrasts with the rest of a composition will create a focal point where the eye tends to rest. This focal point appears more dominant, or more important than other parts of the work of art. Often the artist will use the focal point to guide the viewer to an understanding of meaning.
Contrast of color, value, shape, size, line, or texture creates interest to the eye. An element that contrasts with the rest of a composition will create a focal point where the eye tends to rest. This focal point appears more dominant, or more important than other parts of the work of art. Often the artist will use the focal point to guide the viewer to an understanding of meaning.
Proportion refers to the size relationships among the parts of a composition. Our sense of proportion is based upon our human scale. The term scale refers to the size of the entire work, or to the size of the parts of a work in relation to the whole piece. When determining the appropriate scale for a work of art, many artists will consider how its size and the dimensions of the installation site might affect its meaning. In certain types of work, we expect that the size of the objects depicted will be relatively the same as they are in real life. However, other times artists will intentionally make one person or object in their composition larger to draw our attention in a certain direction.
When representing the human face and figure realistically, artists strive to use accurate proportions. The standards for the relationship of the various parts of the human face and body were established nearly 2,500 years ago by the Greeks. The Greeks believed that the human figure was the measure of all things and established precise instructions for where to place the eyes, nose, etc. However, many artists throughout history have altered these proportions to reflect changing ideals of beauty. At other times, artists have exaggerated or distorted proportions for an expressive effect.
To truly understand how artists manipulate the elements of art and the principles of composition, it is necessary to examine a great many artworks and to analyze how artists create meaning in their artwork through skillful choices and the application of these artistic concepts. Students should keep in mind that many of the elements discussed in the principles of composition section of this guide are more often found in traditional works than in modern artworks. The rejection of ideals such as unity and balance is often the very essence of much modern art.
When representing the human face and figure realistically, artists strive to use accurate proportions. The standards for the relationship of the various parts of the human face and body were established nearly 2,500 years ago by the Greeks. The Greeks believed that the human figure was the measure of all things and established precise instructions for where to place the eyes, nose, etc. However, many artists throughout history have altered these proportions to reflect changing ideals of beauty. At other times, artists have exaggerated or distorted proportions for an expressive effect.
To truly understand how artists manipulate the elements of art and the principles of composition, it is necessary to examine a great many artworks and to analyze how artists create meaning in their artwork through skillful choices and the application of these artistic concepts. Students should keep in mind that many of the elements discussed in the principles of composition section of this guide are more often found in traditional works than in modern artworks. The rejection of ideals such as unity and balance is often the very essence of much modern art.